Chanukah is not simply another Jewish holiday where “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat.” Yes, the extraordinary Maccabean victory over the Greek-Macedonian Empire should be celebrated. The miracle of finding pure olive oil to light the Temple menorah is also extremely important to remember; as well as all of the other miracles Hashem has performed for us throughout history. Yet there is still something else that sets Chanukah apart from every other Jewish holiday that modern Jews today seem to gloss over.
Author: Rachel van Koningsfeld
Critical care registered nurse from Dallas, Texas who made Aliyah. Follow me on my journey, and fall in love with the land of Israel! Hopefully my story can inspire and encourage others to make return home as well. Feel free to send me any questions, or even your own story so I can share it here!
Passover 2022: Dayenu
Pesach is around the corner. Soon we will be remembering the slavery in Egypt, our wandering in the desert, and our first entry into the land as a nation under the leadership of Joshua.
Reading Corner: “Becoming Israeli: The Hysterical, Inspiring and Challenging Sides of Making Aliyah” by Akiva Gersh
This book inspired me to start this website and share my story to help others going through the same thing or those needing to see how someone else makes Aliyah before making the leap of faith for themselves.
Changing My Name
Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be called by my Hebrew name, Rachel. But as is often the case, life kept getting in the way.
Buying Our First Car in Israel
edless to say, as olim chadashim living in the center of the Shomron without a car, life has been pretty difficult getting around and going to government appointments, the bank, etc. Add to that the fact that we’re newlyweds, and because of our busy schedules and having to bus anywhere we go, we hadn’t been able to go on a honeymoon (or even so much as a tiyul). Thus, our search for a car began.
myaliyahstory 